MIXTAPE 94: TRAVIS

You could probably say that there is some sort of skewed-ass social consciousness theme in theme in here, but no official concept this time. This is the Travis Episode, because my friend Travis is in the hospital and I want him to get healed up soon so we can continue partying. Stay strong, famo.

On to the episode.

Intro Beat: Beewirks – Make It Happen. This isn’t the first time dude has placed on a Mixtape Show intro. myspace.com/beewirks.

Sha Stimuli – The N Word. Two dollars says most of you didn’t realize what was going on until a few bars into the first verse. This is inevitably going to bring up controversy, which is brilliant. What do you all think of this one (the theme, I mean – musically it’s beyond dispute that dude has talent). As far as n-word alternatives, I’m a fan of the word “family” in all its iterations – famo, fam, etc – or “dude”, as anyone who reads this site often can probably surmise. “Brah”, however, is not okay unless you are an islander, period. myspace.com/shastimuli.

Duo Live – Caught Up (feat Talib Kweli). I coulda cut the outro short on this one, but it’s just too nice. This is my first time hearing of dudes, but apparently they are really on their grind nowadays. Sounds good to me. myspace.com/duolive.

M.I.A. – Paper Planes (remix feat Bun B and Rich Boy). All three of these artists should be on your “man hol up these people go hard” list. I gotta say, after Arular dropped I was a little mild on M.I.A (Piracy Funds Terrorism went way harder) but this last album is just the business. Then you add Bun B AND Rich Boy to the mix? Too much. Plus this is at once the catchiest and most violent hook in recent memory. I gotta do a post about M.I.A.’s show sometime soon. miauk.com.

Guru – Cuz I’m Jazzy (feat Slum Village). Well, the production on this cut doesn’t exactly belie the title. Apparently this was a very good week for music. Dig the synth violins in the chorus. gurusjazzmatazz.net.

Scienz Of Life – Build Wit Me (feat Baretta 9). John Robinson is one of the most positive people I know. This is an old 2001 cut from the ATL days, showing us all that you don’t need to go crazy with the drums because sometimes the sample just wants to be left alone. And what’s with the bonus beat outro? myspace.com/scienzoflife.

Nicolay and Kay – Stop My Way (feat Mic of The Legendary KO aka K-Otix). As seen before way back in Ep 16, Mic graces the B-side for the N&K concept project single. I wasn’t quite sold on this cut until that whistle synth came in – then it was game over. Great cut. Too bad I didn’t get hold of this one in time for the Love Episode. And the outro is some of the most ignorant shit I’ve heard in like two days. myspace.com/nicolay.

Outro Bonus Cut: Bomani – Read A Book Remix (feat Hueman Prophets) (snippet). If you wanna hear the full version, you’ll have to check Bomani’s myspace! I think most people remember the video and song from this, but not too many people actually know who is behind the song. This song is totally different from the original, but for some reason the end of the last version is really hilarious to me. I’ve got to admit that I haven’t read most of the books on these dudes’ lists. Somebody should make a dance to this song.

And we should start a Mixtape Show Book Club.

MIXTAPE 77 – NOMINATE US

Okay – it’s that time of year again. The Mixtape Show is up for nomination in the Podsafe Music category at the Podcast Awards. While you listen to the show, please take 30 seconds out of your day to nominate the Mixtape Show hip-hop podcast for this year’s awards.

How To Nominate This Podcast
Step 1: Click here: Vote for the Mixtape Show
Step 2: Scroll down and fill out the Podsafe Music box (third box from the bottom on the left).
   Podcast Name: The Mixtape Show
   Podcast URL: http://mixtapeshow.net
Step 3: Fill in your name, email (they won’t spam you – it’s just to make sure we don’t cheat) and any comments.
Step 4. Hit “submit”.
Step 5. Ask three friends to do the same!

Phat Kat – Cold Steel feat Elzhi (prod. J Dilla). I swear I don’t know where that “Blue Steel” slip came from. This came in on wax forever ago and I never quite got around to spinning it – until this morning. Haven’t had any Phat Kat on the show for a while. myspace.com/phatkatakaronniecash.

Rob O – Mention Me feat Meccalicious (prod. Pete Rock). Official story from the kids at Foundation is that this was recorded back in the mid 90s, and just recently resurfaced. I don’t know what this says about rap music, but anyway it’s a nice cut.

Guru - State of Clarity feat Common. Off the upcoming Jazzmatazz Volume 4 The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future. Does the sample on this one remind anybody else of Taxi? myspace.com/guru7grand.

Beautiful Mindz – Poet Past The Weak. Dudley Perkins is one of the spaciest people alive. The BeautifulMindz record (consisting of Georgia Anne Muldrow, Dudley Perkins, and the UK’s own 2Tall) is ridiculous. Seriously. This spent a good two weeks in my car. This record has my official endorsement. Go buy it, or if you need further encouragement, wait until Soultronica Volume 5, when you’ll hear more snippets. myspace.com/jim2tall

bump – Phat Kat – Nasty Ain’t It (prod. J Dilla)

Count Bass D – Jamaicans Get Down. Like some tossed together joint. The balance on this is perfect though. Feel free to rewind this one a few times. myspace.com/countbassd

Bonus Track – Keith Murray – Nobody Does It Better. This treads dangerously close to the R&B line, but the angry, bitter ranting coupled with the smooth crooning makes this one a winner. myspace.com/keithmurray.

So there’s this week’s joint. As always, check us out on Facebook, myspace, and make sure to vote for the mixtape show in the podsafe music section – the bigger this thing gets, the more music, giveaways, and videos we can get out to you all.

Make sure your friends know – myspace bulletins, facebook messages, whatever! get at me.

EPISODE 51 – J DILLA TRIBUTE PART 2

What’s good. As promised, here’s the second half of the official Shaman Work J Dilla Tribute Mix – check the archives for the first half. This episode also features a exclusive commentary from DJ 2-Tone Jones, the man behind the mix – you won’t even get this joint on the CD version.

I’ll leave y’all with the tracklist this time, and some extra notes (including official artwork downloads!) after the jump.

20. Busta Rhymes – Enjoy Da Ride
[Jay Dee - African Rhythms]
21. Pharcyde – Runnin’
22. Pharcyde – Runnin’ (Jay Dee remix)
23. Phat Kat – Dedication to the Suckers
24. Bilal – Reminisce feat. Mos Def and Common
25. JayLib – The Mission
26. Jay Dee – LightWorks
27. MED – Push feat J. Dilla
28. Slum Village – Do You
[Lawless Element - The Shining (inst)]
29. Erykah Badu – Didn’t Cha Know
30. Pharcyde – Splattitorium
31. Jay Dee – Move feat Frank-n-Dank
32. J Dilla – Oblighetto
33. Frank-n-Dank – Love (A Thing of the Past)
[Slum Village - Outro]
34. DJ 2-Tone Jones Speaks (Courtesy of DJ 2-Tone Jones and Shaman Work)
[MED - So Real (inst)]

Official Cover Art
(right click to download full version)

And on a further note, if you’re in a mood to blow 60 seconds bigging up the Mixtape Show in iTunes, feel free to click this link (assuming you have iTunes) to rate the your favorite hip-hop podcast in the iTunes Music Store Podcast section. Give us 5 stars, gush about how attractive the show host is, whatever it takes. And tell your friends to do the same. Thanks.

EPISODE 50 – J DILLA TRIBUTE PART 1

What’s good. I know I’ve been extra late with this one, but hopefully this special 50th episode makes up for it.

By now, you’re all undoubtedly aware of the the genius of the late, great Jay Dee, aka J Dilla. However, on the off-chance that you haven’t yet been exposed to enough of his work, for Episode 50, I bring you the first half (part 1 of 2) of the Shaman Work Recordings homage to the master: “A Brief Education on the Musical Genius of Jay Dee“. This is an exclusive joint arranged by DJ 2-Tone Jones, available for free in various stores and put out with the blessing of Mrs. Maureen Yancey herself.

Please spread the word about this mixtape, and be sure to check back in at www.mixtapeshow.net in a couple of days for part 2, featuring exclusive (as in – not even available on the store CD version) audio commentary from DJ 2-Tone Jones on the purpose and inspiration behind this first installment of the series. Shouts to Lamar, 2-Tone Jones, JR, and the rest of the Shaman Work family for making this thing happen.

Check the tracklist for this half (don’t worry, Pharcyde’s “Runnin” is on the next half, coming soon), and the press release after that.

1. Jay Dee – Fuck the Police
2. Jay Dee – Reckless Driving
3. Oh No – Move (remix) feat. J Dilla and Roc C
4. Jay Dee – Think Twice
5. Slum Village – Jealousy
[Pillz (inst.) - JayLib]
6. A Tribe Called Quest – The Hop
7. Q-Tip – Let’s Ride
8. Guru – Certified feat. Bilal
9. De La Soul – Much More
10. De La Soul – Stakes is High
11. De La Soul – Stakes is High (remix) feat. Truth Enola and Mos Def
12. Common – Thelonius feat. Slum Village
[Rock Box (inst.) - Que D]
13. Busta Rhymes – So Hardcore
14. Dabrye – Game Over feat Phat Kat and Jay Dee
15. Platinum Pied Pipers – Act Like You Know (Ge-ology remix) feat. Jay Dee
16. Steve Spacek – Eve (J Dilla Remix) feat J Dilla and Frank-n-Dank
17. J-88 – Keep it On
18. Keith Murray – The Rhyme (Ummah remix)
19. FunkMaster Flex – That Shit feat A Tribe Called Quest and Jay Dee
20. Enjoy Da Ride – Busta Rhymes

Also, please note that because this tribute is free to the public; Shaman Work Recordings is instead asking that supporters donate to the J Dilla foundation by either:

o Sending funds to the PayPal account set up by DJ K-Fresh www.rensoul.com
o Sending funds directly to Jay Dee’s mother Mrs. Yancy at www.jdilla.org

Again, make sure to come back in a couple days for the second half of the CD. In the meantime, the phone lines are always open – 310 928 MTSN [ (310) 928 6876 ] – hit us up with freestyles, thoughts on the show, or whatever. And make sure to subscribe in iTunes, spread the word, and so on…holler.

MIXTAPE SHOW EPISODE 28 – Exile, Slum V, RIP DILLA.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the only mixtape show / hip-hop podcast worth fucking with. I’m dex digital.

The hip-hop community has suffered a tragic loss recently. This show is not a “dedication”, or a “tribute”, but I’d like to take a moment here and on the show to show appreciation and gratitude for a man that has done so much for us.

On with the show.

Exile f/ Slum Village – Time Has Come. It’s weird, because when I started putting tracks together for this week’s episode, I had already set this aside for the opening track. Exile is on the beats here (you’ve heard him here before), and lest anyone forget what Dilla was capable of on the other side of the glass…Jon, good looking out on the hookup with this one. Check out soundincolor.com for more on Exile.

Diverse - Jus Biz. Not new by any stretch, but I remember finding this joint on a plain b&w 12″ with nothing other than the title written on it, and thinking it was pretty smooth. Turns out that (according to the liner notes) not only is it Prefuse 73 on the beats, but also the background vocals. I think Diverse also showed up on Longshot’s Civil War Pt. 2 mixtape. Definitely check out the rest of the One A.M. full length – definitely worth your time. Respect to Gwen at Chocolate Industries for making this one happen. Check out chocolateindustries.com for more.

Rebel’s Advocate – Panic in the Streets. This one came to me on a CDR with a paper cover, which I’m pretty sure is the reason that it got stuck in my CD player the first time I listened to this track. The rhodes/wurli tones beat on this is definitely my flavor, as is the subject matter. They’ve got another dope joint on their mini EP called “Bite”, which is pretty much 5 minutes of just that – classic beats included. Maybe if you all ask nicely enough, it’ll show up on the show in the near future…rebelsadvocate.com for more.

Captain Cook – Shining Hour. For some reason I kept thinking this kid’s name was Captain Commando. Isn’t Captain Commando a nintendo game? Either that or Sky Commando, or something like that. Anyway, this is one of a few joints that Cook of the Beat Locker shot me via email. I’m not sure who the MCs are on this, but they ain’t bad, and you have to appreciate anyone who has the balls to work their email address into a verse. The bassline and programming on this joint is what really caught me from the drop though. Cook, who are these people? Good work. Check myspace.com/thecaptaincook for more beats.

What follows is not a Dilla tribute, because I’d need about 5 hours to cover the basics. But I thought these few joints were appropriate.

J Dilla - Yesterday beat flip. The classic Dilla formula – some obscure record and brilliantly understated manipulation of the samples. This is unreleased as far as I know, so that’s about all I have for you. If there is an official track name, feel free to comment me and let me know.

J Dilla – Airworks. This one comes off of Dilla’s last release, Donuts. If you haven’t already copped it, do so. It’s pretty much the beat tape to end all beat tapes. I think maybe the sample here is Luther, but I don’t spend all day digging in fucking record crates so I wouldn’t know. Anyone more enlightened than me, feel free to ID this one.

J Dilla – Donuts (Intro). The appropriately-named last track of Dilla‘s most recent blessing. Better writers than I have already conveyed their emotions regarding the passing of this man, so I’ll keep my comments brief.

I remember finding this record sitting on my desk the day I got the news. I sat down and listened to it the whole way through, and this last cut, especially the last 8 seconds or so, were pretty powerful to me. The track speaks for itself – just listen.

And if you haven’t already picked up a copy of Donuts, please go out and do so now. The man was a genius, and he had people to support. stonesthrow.com.

R.I.P. Dilla.

**

And for those of you who ain’t noticed, there is now an official mixtapeshow.net hotline. Just ring up (310)-928-MTSN (the letters stand for MixTapeShowdotNet, asshole) and do your thing. You never know what will happen. I might pick up, my baby mama might pick up, hell, knowing me, your baby mama might pick up, but don’t expect her to be in any condition to hold a coherent conversation.

More likely though, you’ll be able to leave a message. Feel free to drop shoutouts, tell me what you think of the show, tell me why you wish Cheney had been shot instead of vice versa, leave a freestyle, leave a drop, leave your thoughts, whatever. Whatever you want. The interesting/funny/dope messages will be played on the show, so if you’re doing freestyles, make them good.

That’s it for this episode. Catch y’all next week.